What you will study
The Criminal Justice and Criminology minor at the University of Central Missouri prepares
you with the foundational knowledge you need to work within a criminal justice agency
or in a related field that often intersects one.
To establish basic skills in criminal justice and criminology, you’ll take a series
of core courses that may include:
- Corrections
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Policing a Democratic Society
Then, depending on your primary major, you’ll take additional courses to focus your
learnings in an area most applicable to your future career.
For example, if you’re planning to pursue a law career, you may benefit from the Evidence
and Courtroom Procedure Course. If you’re pursuing psychology, the Victimology elective
will add to your knowledge base. Studying for a career in social work? Introduction
to Juvenile Justice can help refine your skills and better prepare you to help certain
clients.
Excellence in criminal justice and criminology
- #2: Best Criminal Justice Schools in Missouri by (College Factual, 2022)
- Highest Paid Bachelor’s Degree Criminal Justice & Corrections Graduates in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 10%: Most Popular Online Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 6.5%: Most Popular Colleges for Criminal Justice (College Factual, 2022)
- Top 15%: Top Ranked Colleges for Criminal Justice & Corrections for Veterans (College Factual,
2021)
- Top 15%: Best Value Colleges for Criminal Justice & Corrections (College Factual, 2021)
- #1 in Missouri — and #34 in the country — for Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
Colleges for Non-Traditional Students (College Factual, 2021)
Unique learning opportunities in criminal justice and criminology
Even as a Criminal Justice minor, you’ll have exciting opportunities for active engagement
and real-world experience at the University of Central Missouri.
- Out of classroom experiences: You will learn more than what is in the books when you attend the Missouri Western
District Court of Appeals arguments, the Criminal Justice Institute Symposium, or
Constitution Week activities. Criminal justice courses frequently take local field
trips to courts and prisons, and regional trips to the Oklahoma City Memorial or the
Missouri Corrections Association conference.
- Research opportunities: Find creative and engaging ways to link your studies in your primary major with the
Criminal Justice minor through a research project. You can pair with a faculty mentor
who will teach you helpful research methods and guide you throughout the life of your
project.
- Internships: Get real experience in the field through an internship focused on criminal justice.
Depending on your interests, we can help you find placements with organizations such
as the Missouri Department of Corrections, local social service agencies, police departments,
prosecutor’s offices and more.
- Student life: Criminal Justice and Criminology minors can join a number of honor societies, criminal
justice-related student groups and networking organizations to learn more about the field and make connections for
your future career. Groups include the Juvenile Justice Association, UCM Mock Trial,
the Pre-Law Student Association and NAMI, among others.
- Study abroad: Learn how the criminal justice system works in other countries by attending a faculty-led
study tour abroad. Past trips have taken students on 10–14-day excursions to places
such as Italy, Japan, Turkey and South Korea.
What can you do with a minor in Criminal Justice and Criminology from UCM?
The Criminal Justice and Criminology minor at the University of Central Missouri prepares
you for roles that relate to the criminal justice system.
Stand out in your job search by showing prospective employers that you have important
context about the theories and practices of how the criminal justice system operates.
This prepares you for careers in:
- Adoption services
- Corrections
- Domestic violence counseling
- Insurance fraud investigations
- Private security
- Reentry coordination
- Social work
- Victim advocacy
Jobs related to criminal justice
Explore the projected career growth for jobs connected to criminal justice and criminology
using the interactive tool below. You can also explore salary expectations and career
paths.
Financial assistance options for your Criminal Justice and Criminology minor
The University of Central Missouri’s financial aid counselors work with you to put
your education within reach. In fact, LendEDU has recognized UCM as a top-ranked university
for low student debt upon graduation.
You can earn a high-value minor at an affordable price because of the many ways we
help you finance your education, including:
- University scholarships
- Assistantships
- Grants
- Tuition awards
In addition to this financial aid, we also offer exclusive scholarships and awards
for students enrolled in certain undergraduate majors. You can learn more about program-specific
scholarships for your major at the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Jennifer Carson
Undergraduate research coordinator
Dr. Carson focuses her research on terrorism and comparative criminology. She uses
her expertise to advise student research projects on topics such as global jihadist
movements, radicalization and bystander intervention. She also teaches classes such
as Terrorism and Homeland Security.
Meet Our Faculty
Meet Faculty Member Dr. Benecia Carmack
CJC internship coordinator
Dr. Carmack has years of experience in the legal profession. She worked in private
practice, served as a municipal judge and was a board member of the Missouri Municipal
and Associate Circuit Judges Association. She brings her experience to students as
a sponsor of the Pre-Law Student Association and in classes such as Criminal Law and
Procedure.
Meet Our Faculty
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